Manchester United’s plan for Godwill Kukonki has been revealed ahead of next season, with the promising young defender firmly in the club’s plans.
With Manchester United now planning for the future, there is an increasing emphasis on the youngsters coming through the academy. Godwill Kukonki is one of many highly-rated talents at Carrington.
The 17-year-old defender was named on the bench for Ruben Amorim’s side on six different occasions last season in both the Premier League and Europa League, but is still yet to make a competitive senior appearance.
Kukonki however, did feature on United’s post-season tour of Asia, with the talented defender playing in both of the club’s matches.
United are now reportedly on the verge of agreeing a long-term deal with the promising star, with a new contract firmly in sight.
Kukonki’s bright future
According to BBC Sport, United have been in negotiations with the England youth international for a number of months, with club sources believing Kukonki has a big future.
This is even despite the fact that his route to the first team was clogged up by the arrival of 18-year-old Ayden Heaven from Arsenal, who featured prominently under Amorim at the back end of last season.
Kukonki has made 20 appearances for the United U18’s, as well as six appearances for the U21’s and two appearances for England’s U17’s.
The 2008-born defender is likely to feature for England at the Under-17 World Cup in Qatar in November and it is thought he will remain with United this season rather than go out on loan.
United’s promising pathway
Although the club is going through a difficult period at the moment, a lot can be made of United’s promising future, especially regarding their defensive assets.
Many of the silver linings for Amorim’s side last campaign were his fearless young Reds, who often stepped up during United’s injury crisis.
The likes of Heaven, Leny Yoro, Tyler Fredricson, and Harry Amass all featured during United’s time of need, and impressed on several occasions.
Having seen many defenders not much older than Kukonki feature last campaign, the 17-year-old can be hopeful that after penning a new contract, his senior debut may not be a million miles away.
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